About friggin' time we talked about...

...Mamography screening.
Let me start by saying that I am for this screening that obviously saves many women's lives.
That being said I will continue to the, most likely, less popular aspect.
It is not new that studies consistently show that yearly mamography screening in women below age 50 does not provide a great health benefit. It is a bloat to the healthcare system and drives all of our costs up. I personally think it started with good intentions and then was perpetuated by the insurance and healthcare system for profit by using a great motivator...fear. If you have a family history of breast cancer or have other indicators that show that maybe a closer look is warranted you, of course, get screened. This is science folks.
This is not about depriving women of necessary healthcare.
This in not about the government trying to take over our lives.
This is about getting real.
Let's get real and provide good, effective, affordable healthcare to all Americans and not just "the best" healthcare for those who have, and no healthcare for those who have not.

Here are some other interesting healthcare industry results from studies that will make you think a bit.

"U.S. pharmaceutical industry spent 24.4% of the sales dollar on promotion, versus 13.4% for research and development, as a percentage of US domestic sales of US$235.4 billion.
Currently, the industry makes $11.3 million in political contributions."

"Since 2006, the health sector has spent $1.7 billion lobbying Congress and federal agencies — more money than any other sector of the economy. Between January and September 2009, health care interests spent $396.2 million according to federal data collected by the Center for Responsive Politics (www.opensecrets.org), a nonpartisan organization that researches the influence of money on politics."

Healthcare in the US is big business, a commodity to be sold to those who can afford it.

Here are some interesting healthcare related interviews and artices from NPR:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120399265
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113971873

Angus at 9 Months

Angus Teague donning the family tartan(MacGregor)...we went with non-traditional and kept the diaper on(for him).

I thought things couldn't get worse...

...and then Bob Dylan put out a christmas album. What could we do to bad songs to make them worse? Have them sung by a guy that sounds like he's been drinking on a whaling ship for 50 years. Yep, that'll do it.

http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-10-13/music/o-rasp-all-ye-faithful-bob-dylan-s-christmas-album/

Creating Power-Pop/Punk-ish Trio - Seeking Drums

Ad on Craigslist

The Enforcer

We just got back from the big cross-country car trip to see the Leafs in Houston. Angus did well in the car...the hotel rooms are another story.
It was great to see Chrispy, Nate, Keri and my favorite monkey Maeve. Oops. When Maeve is in her soccer gear she prefers to be called "Number Nine". I compromised by screaming support for Monkey Number Nine. She scored a goal but her perfected skill was lining up properly on the circle to start play. She was very prompt and precise. Did I mention that her cleats had kewl pink stripes?!
Angus' favorite parts of the vacation were peeing in the pool, trying to eat Indy the kitty and absolutely not taking any naps at all.
Until next time, adios Casa de Leaf!

Seems so harmless...

Do you think there is a coincidence that we keep these little buggers in a crib that looks suspicously like a cage? I know he's sleeping now but he's dangerous with big, pointy teeth! I dare you to come over without your holy hand grenade!

Fishing with Dad

Well, this summer was not activity filled like I would have hoped. With the addition of little Angus I find myself either busy, sick or trying to get some sleep. I did get out once this summer fly fishing with my dad to southern Minnesota. Liz and Angus were "Up North" for the weekend so I took full advantage. Usually if we fish around here we hit Wisconsin as the streams are faster to get to but since I had a full day off(and a Minnesota license from the Boundary Waters adventure) we stayed on the home turf. Beautiful day, four trout a piece and didn't have to fight other anglers for space on the river.

The bonus...I got to hang out with some cows!

Countdown...

...to Houston
5 WEEKS!
...to the Labor Day Poker Extravaganza
2 WEEKS!
...to Minnesota State Fair
1 WEEK!

...to blowing my head off so that I don't have to work for a living
ANY FREAKIN' DAY NOW!

Friggin' Apple

Damn Apple and it's closed-door policies on hardware and software!
Damn Apple for it's cozy little monogamous relationship with AT&T!
Damn Apple for making the coolest phone ever!

I have been reading and hearing all about the new Apple iPhone 3GS from every corner lately. Being a consumer and a bit of a techie, the idea of such a slick little device replacing my phone, GPS and iPod is driving my a bit wacky. I want it now!

Damn the cell phone industry for it's contract pricing!

Why are we consumers playing this game with them? I don't have to sign a two year contract to get a deal on my home phone or television. I don't have to predict the future when deciding on a home phone or cable service provider.

Damn the cell phone industry(again) for it's compatibility issues!

You should be able to march in to a Best Buy(or any other electronics retailer) and purchase ANY phone at a competitive price and have it activated for ANY service provider. Maybe there is a small activation fee but you would just have month-to-month contracts.
Didn't the Declaration of Independence cover this kinda thing? Isn't this an unalienable right?
Maybe it would be covered under the Constitution if Apple came up with an iGun application.

Probably the only way out of my current contract would be to single-handedly bring down the Verizon network. How in the world am I going to manage that with all these guys in hard hats following me around all day long? I guess I will just have to count down the days, months and years until by contract expires. I will then move to AT&T, get the newest iPhone and pray that someone doesn't come along and one-up them.

Dammit.

Ramblings of an Old Fart

Okay, so let me start this off by saying that I understand that this is going to sound like an old man shaking his fist and yelling for kids to get off his lawn.

Fireworks.

I am all for a good fireworks show, the oohs, the ahhs, the music and the crowds. The smell of BBQ, warm beer and a little BO just means summer events in the cities. I am even in favor of going across state lines with a couple of friends and sneaking back a gross of bottle rockets and firecrackers. When we did this as kids we would send off a few every couple of days leading up to the 4th. We usually picked spots around the neighborhood on Saturday afternoons with some "cover" and then would quickly relocate so as not to "get busted".

In my current neighborhood the trend seems to be to import commercial-grade explosives and light them off every night after dark for 3 weeks leading up to, and one week following, Independence Day. I don't think they are even kids at this point but more likely twenty-somethings with a dislike for crowds, a taste for excitement and a normal disregard for anyone else. My dog does not appreciate it. The baby does not appreciate. I now, do not appreciate it.
My thoughts last night were to take my police issue flashlight and "let the beatings begin". Today I heard the sad news that some adult, probably as aggravated as I am, shot a 14 year old last night presumably because he was setting off fireworks. Who know the intent but the results were a bullet thru the neck.

I will need to work on my patience and understanding and realize that these brainless youths are probably much like I was, and probably don't deserve to be shot.
Now, the kid in the neighborhood with the "Fast and the Furious" muffler is another story.

Ravioli x 2

I would call it a minor success. My stomach is happy. Does anything else really matter?
I made meat and cheese ravioli and served them with a brown butter sauce and then a tomato-basil sauce. I am a huge fan of butter but I think I preferred the red sauce.
This pasta making is hard work! In my opinion you definitely need two people, lots of flour and major patience.
Fat and happy 4th of July.
Once again, I need a nap.

Mill City Farmers Market

For our July 4th family-style outing we headed downtown to the farmers market. We have been there before but Mecca, the monkey, let us know that Vera, the goat, and her baby would be there. Mecca knows that I have an affinity for the goatsers.

It was a pretty nice day for the market, a little humid, but better than sitting inside. The Goose did a great job for being in such a big crowd and managed a full 90 minutes of interraction with goats, chickens and puppies before starting to melt down.

We ended up having a lunch of organic beef hot dogs, beef tongue tacos and Arnie Palmers. The guac on the tacos was especially fresh and yummy.Next time I need to remember to bring more $$$ so that I can pick up some protien and veg to bring home and cook.

I need a nap, and then tonight...homemade ravioli!

Another Novice Food Adventure

Today I got up my nerve and purchased a Marcato pasta machine. I love homemade pasta and after reading the book Heat I had to just bite the bullet.
I made a simple linguine with tomato sauce and my own version of Milanese with beef. I thought it turned out really well for my first attempt. The pasta itself was good(although next time I would boil it in chicken broth instead of water), the sauce had nice flavor thanks to the fresh basil and the beef was nice but a bit overcooked.
All in all, a success for a first time.
I made extra dough so I can make another attempt this weekend.
Viva Italia!

Please Mommy, why can't I have one???

Are you freakin' kidding me??? Is this the cutest thing you ever saw???
Okay, enough with the extended punctuation, I really just want a goat.
I want a goat, and I want to name her Dave. Dave the Goat.

I keep asking Liz if I can have a goat and she keeps telling me I can't have one in the city. It turns out that she's right...mostly.
In Golden Valley (or Minneapolis) you cannot keep a hooved animal, which totally sucks. Why not? The pygmy versions are smaller than half of the dog breeds, hardly ever bark and I don't think they have the squirrel chasing obsession. Can't you just see me and Dave sitting outside the Starbucks enjoying a freshly brewed cup of joe. Dave would say, "Would you like to lighten that up?" and I would reply "Yes, please". At this point Dave would provide me with a couple of quick squirts of goat's milk(she would be a dead shot) and all would be well with the world.

In Seattle they have recognized that with the push for sustainability they should not overlook the small things. Thanks to the lobbying of The Goat Justice League (I wonder if they have t-shirts), the City Council declared that goats "are considered excellent pets due to their good-natured personalities, friendliness, faithfulness, and hardy constitution."

I have 1/3 of an acre, a neighbor with a chicken and a neighborhood with too many cats and dogs to count...what could one little goat do to upset the balance.

Positives: milk, cheese, friend for Moxie, Homeland Security(guard goat) and a manicured lawn...okay, maybe not manicured.
Negatives: none

GIMME MY GOAT!!!

Okay, still not convinced? I dare you to argue with this...

Organic Baby Cupcakes

I now understand why people grind up screaming babies into cupcakes.

I remember back in the old days I would sometimes have trouble sleeping. I have never been a great sleeper and sometimes it felt downright unbearable. I felt cheated of one of life's great pleasures, a good night sleep.
During a lapse in judgement or a moment of clarity, Liz and I decided to produce a small version of the two of us. He's pretty cute when he's not drooling, screaming or pooping. He's even cuter when he's sleeping. This usually happens on the third Wednesday of the month between 4pm and 6pm.
Angus.
Oh that little Angus.
I am sure he is wearing out Liz more than me, but I can tell you that it doesn't seem possible. I thought babies slept all the time?! We asked the doctor yesterday at the 6 month checkup and she didn't seem concerned. I think my cable guy is more concerned about keeping an appointment than our doctor is about his(and our) sleeping patterns.
My HR person told me today that in her culture in China it used to be a common practice to switch babies for a year when one was experiencing issues like this( or other issues like bad behavior). When they came home they were usually much better. She has a great little baby that sleeps and sleeps and sleeps...sign me the hell up!

Beef Short Ribs with Gnocchi

I have decided that now that we have a much more functional kitchen I am going to get back to trying to cook. With all of the buzz about organic protein and veg and the glut of food shows on TV I think I just gotta bite the bullet.

I am usually too scared of failing so I usually stick to my handful of favorite dishes that I know I can pull off. My new goal is to cook two new things per week. If something sucks there is always take out...and I will live to try another day.

On Friday night I fried catfish(cajun style), made cornbread and sauteed spinach with bacon and garlic. It was yummy and made me think of the South.

Tonight I made beef short ribs, gnocchi and asparagus a la Mario B. It was all pretty good but the sauce definitely stole the show with a base of a really decent red wine.

Tomorrow night I am going to do a turkey and vegetable stir fry. This is based more on what's on hand than what I think would be my ideal.

It would be really nice if I could take some cooking classes this year so that I could really get a better understanding of the basics. I really don't have a clue but that has never stopped me from doing anything before!

Smash Burger...more like pretty good burger

The suburb of Golden Valley is not a Mecca for foodies and as a transplant from Minneapolis I realize that, in Sam Kinison's words, I must "go where the food is". Most of the time that is just fine by me as I moved to GV for the quiet neighborhoods, a bigger house and a yard large enough for my dog Moxie to frolic... not for haute cuisine. After moving out to the suburbs I realized that it took me less time to commute to downtown or uptown from GV than it did when I lived in Southwest Minneapolis...that city traffic is a mutha. But sometimes, you just don't want to deal with commuting, parking and the unknown wait time of the city restaurants.
In my little suburb the food choices are generally fast food, Red Lobster, Perkins or one of a half dozen BAD chinese places. We did get a Joey's Seafood a little while back but it quickly went from good(when it opened) to just okay(about when it closed).
When we saw the signs start to go up for Smash Burger I quickly checked out their website. Salivary glands went into overdrive as I looked over their simple, sparse and perfect menu. Burgers, fries and shakes...basically. If you do it right, it's the perfect meal and you don't need lots of extras. Mecca, a good friend, chef and food writer called to let me know she had invitations for the preview and, after a consultation with the better half, made plans to tag along. Babies, man they complicate things, don't get me started. Long story short we didn't make the preview. We did however hit it up on opening which was the very next day.
It was okay. It was actually pretty good. By Golden Valley standards it was excellent.
I had a Classic Smashburger on an egg bun with haystack onions and a chocolate Haagen Daz shake. I have had better and I have had much worse. The ingredients seemed fresh and the egg bun was a nice change of pace. A huge step up from Mickey D's but not quite what I would find at The Chatterbox, The Convention Grill or Matt's Bar. To be fair I will try it again and make sure to get bacon and a fried egg on my burger and an order of Smashfries(with rosemary and garlic) as I think that would be a better example of their work.
I know that some folks don't think that Minneapolis is "all that" when it comes to food but I bet they would change their mind if they booked a table at Leann Chin in Golden Valley.

A Conundrum

Michael Jackson died yesterday(as if anyone in the world didn't know that fact) and I am left with mixed emotions. Do I mourn the loss of a musical and dance genius that changed the world or do I say good riddance to a possible deviant.
From his first performances with the Jackson 5 thru the release of Dangerous his smile, voice and innovative dancing captured the world's attention. He worked with some of the most influential people in the music business and I personally don't think that Quincy Jones would have become a household name without Michael. I remember when Thriller(the video) was released...unreal. Highly anticipated and it even managed to surpass the hype. Bad, Billie Jean, Rock With You, Beat It, Man in the Mirror...too many hits to list. And style? I would have never thought anyone but the Beatles could make a marching band outfit so popular or convince a nation that you only needed one glove(and a sparkly one at that). And influence? If Michael got royalties for every kid that grabbed his junk and went "hee-hee" he would have put the arab sheiks to shame. How many people today will tell you that they pursued music or dance because of Michael. Using his superstar status and world appeal he was also involved in many charities focused on topics like HIV, poverty, race and war and truly seemed to care about people.
In his later years his appearance seemed to start morphing into something that looked more like a white woman than a black man. Skin disorder or some sort of strange pursuit of his idea of perfection? An odd marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, rumors about the bones of The Elephant Man, holding his son "Blanket" over a hotel balcony railing, sleepovers at the Neverland Ranch and then eventual charges of child sexual abuse seemed to make him seem more like tabloid fodder than the King of Pop.
With someone as famous as Michael Jackson I am sure that none of us will ever know the real story. You want to hope for the best but it is awfully hard to ignore so many news reports.
I think I choose to mourn the death of the best of Michael Jackson. I don't know if that actually happened yesterday or many years before. I never had to moonwalk in his shoes so I can't imagine what it was like to be him(good or bad).
Thanks Michael for all of the joy that you brought to this world with your bright smile, beautiful voice, magical feet and creative mind.

Rich People Just Do Whatever They Want...

Pirate Hunters

The Most Dangerous Game...the modern, non-fiction version.

Survived BWCA 2009

Well, another successful trip thru the Boundary Waters thanks to Nate, Chrispy and Brandt. This time we luckily didn't have to deal with too much rain while we were in the canoes, just while we were trying to keep the fire going.
Nate did such a great job with planning(and fishing) that we had a fairly smooth time. That doesn't at all mean that it was easy but I think it only gets so easy in the BWCA.
Since Brandt put together such a cool video I won't blather on about the details but if you want to know more...check below.

Brandt Williams' video here.


Brandt Williams' photos here.
My photos here.

Kitchen Makeover Complete!

Over the past week we hired a cabinet maker, electrician and plumber to help us update our old school kitchen while trying to maintain some of the original design. They did a great job! They modified quite a few cabinets, removed and hung a large section of cabinets, added a microwave and dishwasher, updated our fridge and stove, moved some lights and added a new countertop and sink. They have to come back on Monday for just a few items(like oiling hinges, tightening cabinet doors, installing a grommet for the countertop for power) and we need to pick up a hanging potrack with lights for the new "island" and a round breakfast table for the 'nook" but it is pretty well done. Here are some before and after shots:

Layoff...

Looking for an ASP.Net or C# position.

What a great old song...

Reading skill or IQ hits all time low in the U.S.

Something about our neighborhood must say that we are disconnected from the world and need help as we have constantly had people coming to our door trying to ease our guilt, replace our roof or insure that we make it to heaven. Between charities, contractors and bible bangers our doorbell is never quiet. It's bad enough when they call but to just show up is just plain inconsiderate.
About a year ago I went out and bought a "No Soliciting" sign and hung it in plain view thinking that any reasonable person would read it and realize that we didn't want to be bothered. I vastly overestimated either the intelligence or the respectfulness of the average door knocker as it hasn't seemed to have done a bit of good.
You have to understand that every time the door bell rings, the dog goes crazy, the baby then starts crying and you have to go thru an inconvenient process:
- Get up from wherever you are
- Put the baby into the crib
- Try and calm down the dog
Now you get the pleasure of opening the door while holding back the dog and listening to screams from another room while trying to be patient and wait for a stranger to get to the point.
When there is a break in the pitch I let them know that we do not accept solicitation, point them to the sign and say goodbye.
Yesterday was especially bad timing and the poor "believer" took the brunt of it. As soon as I saw the Bible and he launched into his speech I let him know that we aren't interested in their fiction and goodbye...slam(that was the door).
After the fact, when things had calmed down, I felt bad for my overreaction. I don't really think I should have felt bad, but I did. Maybe these people live in a cave and don't know about things like mail, the phone or the internet. Maybe they think I have no idea that I can have whatever it is they are selling.
This is a notice to all of you out there about to ring my bell...
I donate to causes that I have researched and want to give to.
If my roof needs replacing I will pick up the Yellow Pages.
If I suddenly need salvation I am aware that your God squad is just a phone call or Sunday service away.
Don't call us, we'll call you!

It's Not Just For Breakfast Anymore...

Angus in the studio

Had a friend of mine, Greg, take some shots of Angus as he has much more experience with the wee ones. If you ever need baby shots, check out Accent Photography.

Satellite Radio

My new car came with satellite radio by default and I really didn't give it much thought. Yesterday I played around with it a bit and found a few stations that RAWK like crazy! Pretty much no commercials and fairly focused genres of music.

On the way in to work this morning on The Boneyard I heard VH, Judas Priest, Metallica and Queensryche back to back. I am not talking about the normal radio selections, I am talkin' about kickin', deep tracks that true fans love.

My second favorite station so far is Hair Nation which plays all of the cheesy, cool old hair bands from the 80s and 90s...you can almost hear the swoosh of spandex thru the radio.
I did also find a "Left Wing" talk channel as well as a couple of sports channels that sound promising - at least while MPR is running their pledge drive. I think it will take quite a while to see all of what is out there but I am eager to explore.

I am a convert. Go get your satellite radio.

Family 'Mobile

Last night I traded in my sporty little GTI for a family-friendly '08 Hyundai Azera Limited. The main reason for this switch was that I couldn't fit Angus' car seat in the back of the VW and even if I could it would have been difficult getting it in and out. My GTI was coming due on tires, brakes, tabs and the end of the warranty and I was having a repeated problem of a coil in the engine breaking so now seemed like a good time. I can't say enough about the Walser Hyundai dealership, they were very helpful and they don't make a commission so except for it just taking a while it was a good experience.
This car had some really good reviews as well as a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty with free car washes and oil changes. It has quite a few more bells and whistles than I was looking for but I really wanted the leather seats, as they clean up so nice, and you end up getting a bunch of other stuff with it. It is used with 14,000 miles on it but I got a 35,000 car for half the price so I am happy.
Now, if I can just shake this miserable cold I will be good to go.

Snip-Snip

Now that Liz and I have fulfilled our civic duty and brought a child into the world it is time to put the days of birth control pills and condoms behind us.
Since we have some bow-chicka-wow-wow downtime at the moment due to the new baby I had a consultation yesterday with a urologist. I am scheduled next week for a routine vasectomy. In the office they kept referring to it as "sterilization". I understand that the term is correct and actually exactly what we are looking for but it sounds more like something you would do with a dog.
I am not actually worried at all about the procedure, the pain or the thought of not being able to have any more kids. I however am not excited about the fact that this particular doctor is not in on Fridays so I will have to work the following day. I am also not super excited about getting in the stirrups with my junk hanging out for all to see. I understand that women have to go thru this all of the time but as a novice, the thought of it isn't very exciting.
When I made the appointment they made me sign a release which TWO different people had to witness. Then, they let me know that my wife also needed to sign it at home. Weird. Apparently this is due to lawsuits but it doesn't make much sense to me. First off, if they aren't going to witness what good is a random signature. Secondly, what if I told them I wasn't married? I have never heard of this being required for an abortion, not that I would really know, and I would think the likelihood of lawsuit by an expectant father would be greater. What a crazy world.
Apparently it takes about 3 months to empty out the reserves so they will give me a test at that time to see if I am good to go. I found out that it really isn't based on time but based on the amount of expulsion. I am pretty sure that with the right training, motivation and commitment I can halve that time for sure.
If you are looking for me next weekend I will most likely be at home on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on my junk...not that that's new.

For your entertainment...
The Vasectomy Song

Get A Job

After slacking around the house for the last month I decided it was time for Angus to get a job and start contributing to the diaper fund.

He was all duded up for an interview at Baby Gap and I thought he might need some prep time so I hooked him up with Pop(of Hop On Pop), where he promptly fell asleep.



I then decided to get a few things done around the house and while I was upstairs he turned on the TV, ate a bag of Donettes and passed out.


Just plain lazy.

A New Era

For all of you doubters out there that say that electing a black president in and of itself isn't enough. For those of you that don't believe that hope and inspiration alone aren't enough to make some difference in the world. For those of you that say things won't really change.
I dare you to come to my house and watch the inauguration from my DVR.
Between the sight of the huge crowd choking the national mall, Obama's speech, Joseph Lowery's benediction and the Queen of Soul singing My Country 'Tis of Thee, if you can remain dry-eyed and unimpressed than you are just not human.

From the new mama...

Angus is three weeks old today! On one hand it's hard to believe it's been 3 weeks since he was born and on the other it sometimes seems like it's been more like 3 years. Time has taken on a whole new dimension where it flies but drags simultaneously. There is no longer differentiation between night and day, just a round the clock regimen of meeting basic human needs; feed, burp, change, sleep, wash, rinse, repeat.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. It turns out that caring for a newborn is a lesson in dialing life back to the basics, living in the moment and doing something that really matters. What a beautiful change from the hamster run that is working for the Man for no more satisfaction than a bi-weekly paycheck.

Little Angus changes little by little every minute of every day. In 3 short weeks he has learned to focus his eyes (both at the same time!) and I swear that yesterday he looked at me and smiled... really smiled, right at me. For all the exhaustion and frustration that also comes with the package, that one little smile made is all so worth while.

I can't wait until he does it again...

Instead of starting out 2009 with resolutions I thought I would post a rant...

2009 – Things That I Hate(inspired by WhiskeyMarie)

Campaign Spending
Obama and McCain together spent over 1 billion dollars on their presidential campaigns. Are you freakin’ kidding me? Coleman and Franken raised over 40 million in their senatorial race. This should be government funded, each with the same amount and it shouldn’t be much. Let the best man/woman win in a fair race without breaking the bank.

Cigarette Tax/Smoking Laws
Increasing the cigarette tax every time you need to cover a budget shortfall is BS. The people who are paying for this are primarily lower income folks and those with an addiction. Way to take advantage of those least equipped to fight back or abstain. Either make it illegal or get the hell off my back.
I get that people want to be able to go places and breathe fresh air(like that is even possible in a city…ever get behind a diesel bus?). Some parts of the law make lots of sense. What doesn’t make sense to me is banning it in your car, a public park or a bar. The first two I believe are self explanatory. Bars are a place to drink, smoke, let down your hair and just be. People vote with their feet, if they don’t like the smoke they won’t show up. As for people working there…there are lots of jobs that can be or are hazardous to your health. If you don’t like the risk, don’t take the job.

Government Pay & Perks
Why is it that even when the economy is down, the higher ups in government still get a raise? Why is it that every time I see a high ranking official they are in a HUGE gas-guzzling SUV? Why is it that we can’t get universal health care unless we work for the government?

Cell Phone Contracts
I don’t think this needs an explanation.

Federal Spending
The government is very good at writing checks. They are very bad at making sure of how the money is spent.
“It’s an emergency” got us into Iraq and now seems to have given away a ton of TARP money to stabilize the economy.
The governments is also very good at requiring new programs. They just don’t seem to know how to fund them.
No Child Left Behind would be a prime example.

Insurance Companies
This also is pretty straight forward.

Minneapolis Transportation
Why don’t we have trains? Why did it take us so long to start on light rail? Why are highways built to only handle the current traffic load? Why don’t we have express bus service between the suburbs(does anyone even work downtown anymore?)?

5 Day Work Week
Who decided that we should work(mostly at jobs we hate) 5 days a week and only have 2 days a week off? We are working to live, not living to work. 4 day work week at best…3 would be just right.

Indian Food
Yuck.
I sat down at a restaurant one time with 3 other people where we all ordered different items. When the food came it all looked like it came from the same bucket of diarrhea.

Urban Sprawl
If you have been to Maple Grove in the past 5 years you surely have seen the endless strip mall. Apparently people don’t think we are ever going to run out of real estate. What is really crazy to me is that instead of building an indoor mall(like Southdale) they have covered 50 times that footprint with outdoor malls. Not only does parking suck, the one-level design is a complete waste of space and with Minnesota winters you are forced to walk outside between stores(as I write this it is -21 with a -41 windchill).

The Religious Right
Believe whatever flavor of fiction you want, just don't push your fantasies on the rest of us.

Almost 2 Weeks Old

Angus "The Goose" Hipps at home at almost 2 weeks of age.
(click picture to enlarge)

Kewl Toonz

I have been relentlessly spinning two bands recently and can’t seem to get away from them.


Psapp is credited with being the inventors of Toytronica music. Along with mainstream instruments they use toy instruments and other non-instruments(along with vocals) in their songs. Very cool and laid back. If you haven’t heard them you should check them out.
Psapp



The Brand New Heavies are not new, but cool soul and funk to groove to.
BNH

Feel like...

...crap.
No sleep for anyone, Liz' voice is almost gone and I feel like I got hit by a train. And this is only day 5.
How do people do this?

New Papa

More from the hospital...

Home

We are all home safe and sound.
Moxie is VERY curious and wants to be right in on the action.
Hope everyone had a good New Year celebration!

Blam!

Angus Teague Hipps
12/30/2008 at 1:19pm
7lbs 3 oz
19 1/2"

Angus and Liz are both doing GREAT!

I will post more later but this sick dad needs some rest before heading back into baby land.

P.S. He is really taking after his father...first being breach and then giving his nurse the finger! Since she was REALLY scottish(cool accent and all) she just took it as a salute to a fellow Scottsman.

Going...

...to the hospital in about an hour. Liz is dehydrated from her surgical fast and I think I have a decent cold going but we are excited about the day. I will post something later tonight on the outcome of the day's events and will be returning calls when I can.
Have a great snowy day everyone!

Wouldn't Ya Know...

Tomorrow is the big day and now I am coming down ill. I suspect I will have to wear a mask in the delivery room to keep from spreading germs. I am really bummed that I am going to feel like crap for this big event.

So it goes.

A Helpful Hint

You can keep up with what is happening by clicking the link in the upper right of your screen that says "Follow This Blog"!

Angus is coming...

Just found out that 'lil Angus is breach(like his dad was) so we have a scheduled C-Section for December 30th. I will try to update the blog with info and photos as possible.

Hold onto your hat...here we go!

Taking a break...

I am taking a breather from the blog...I should be back around the middle of January when the baby is due. Things are a bit busy and crazy but it doesn't seem to be much to write about.

See you in '09!

What I want for Christmas

Wake n' Bacon Alarm Clock

http://www.mathlete.com/portfolio/wakeNbacon.php

Back in the saddle

HEY!
It's been a while since I have posted, I will try to make up for it next month.
October has felt very busy and even though I know it hasn't been crazy, the time seems to have flown by.
I have started my new job at Priority as an ASP.Net developer working on custom websites. The job is great, the people are great...it's all pretty much great. I had almost forgotten that you could have a cool place to work. I definitely won't miss VI.
Liz had her final ultrasound last week and all looked well. They estimated the fetus/baby/Angus to be about 2 lbs, 10ounces and still a boy.
We picked up a new futon for the office as it seems that almost every night one of us can't sleep and don't want to disrupt the other. It is pretty okay for sleeping on but that room is so small that it barely fits with the other furniture.
Sounds like there might be a couple of opportunities coming up for me to start writing/jamming with some folks from the past. I am looking forward to having that outlet again, especially since we are entering the long cold days of Minnesota winter.
We had a "Managing Stress" seminar at work and I was suprised to find out that the body sees physical stress the same way it sees emotional or mental stress. Apparently even if you have your brain in the right place you can be stressing yourself out just as much(or more) by your eating habits, lack of exercize or smoking. I knew all of the physical things are bad for you in general but I didn't realize that they created the same kind of stress as financial, job, relationship type stess.
We have a free gym at the new office and starting next week I am planning to work out at least 2x per week and take a small step towards getting in better physical shape. I just generally need it and I really want to be in better shape when next year's riding season starts up.
The next week holds the following:
- Poker with the boys
- Dinner at Town Talk with the neighbors
- The annual lobster boil in North Branch
...and of course, multiple dinners with the families.

Oh, I heard we were getting snow on Sunday.

Jim and Mike...man are they old!

Jim French and Mike Hipps(our dads) have b-days close to each other so we had a little party.

Congrats to Jim and Mike for turning 141!!!

The Leaf Invasion

The Leafs escaped from the hurricane in Houston and spent the week partying in Minneapolis with all of the cool kids. Luckily, I got to hang out as well.
Maeve is now almost 4 and is much smarter than I am at this point.
Sonjia is now 12 and is about 3x as brave as I am at this point.
They are both gorgeous...Nathan is in for big trouble from the boys.

Chris Leaf, Nate's little bro, was married on Saturday and they are saying that was the main reason for their visit. Personally, I think Keri just needed a little Billy fix.

Brandt, Mecca, Chris, Liz and myself got to spend LOTS of time with them on this visit. It was fantastic as their visits are usually very short and they get really booked up.

Highlights of the week with the Leafs:
1) The zoo - Sonjia showed me how to pet the sharks and rays
2) The Vikings - Food and company was yummy...Vikes sucked it up hard
3) The food - Feel as fat as the prairie dog below
4) The laughs - If you weren't there...yes, we made fun of you
5) The politics - Bush, Chaney, McCain, Palin...suck it
6) My little monkey, Maeve - The smartest, cutest, freshest of the fresh

I wish they would just wise up and move home...I already miss the gang being all together.

As of today Nathan is back working in Houston with a no power house, Keri and Maeve are in Boston kickin' it in the AC with grandma and grandpa and I start my new job tomorrow.


The Zoo

Maeve & Nathan
a bear
prairie dog
Maeve

Chillin'

Nate & B
Keri & Chris
Mecca
Liz

The Weekly Recap

St. Croix Vineyards

Here we go...

Took a couple of days off to recharge and do some riding...of course it rained. I headed up to the Lake Wobegon Trail that runs from St. Joseph to Sauk Center on an old railroad line that has been converted to paved bike trail. I couldn't hit the mountain bike trails as they were wet and most of the metro area was still getting rain so I checked out the radar and this was the closest area that was missing the moisture. It was really nice riding along the pastures and corn fields instead of the same old bike paths in the city. I would like to go down to Preston and check out the new spur that runs from the Cannon Valley Trail.

I was offered, and have accepted, a new job as an ASP.Net developer for an advertising/marketing company in Edina. The money isn't as good but the culture, the work and my future security looks much better. It is easier to take a step backwards when you think it is in your own best interest and it is your choice. I look forward to starting there in a couple of weeks.

On Saturday we went to Aamodt's Apple Farm in Stillwater for a reason to get out of the house. It was okay but it wasn't quite time for the Honeycrisps to be big and delicious and no apple mini-donuts. We specifically went to Aamodt's instead of the regular place because of these yummy treasures and they had the nerve not to have them. St. Croix Vineyards is also on the same property and, being that I am not very worldly, have never seen grapes on the vine(pictured above). It was cool. I would like to visit a "real" vineyard but since I don't drink it is kinda an expensive vacation that probably wouldn't be totally fulfilling.

Saturday night we went to Pierre's Bistro in Minneapolis with our friends Brandt and Mecca. We had never been there before but we usually can trust our little foodies to not lead us astray. All I can say is mussels in wine and garlic. Yum-dilly-icious. Portions seemed big and price seemed small - for a French place. It was really nice hanging out and having dinner with them, it seems like we don't do it nearly enough.

Spent Sunday watching football, eating and lounging on the couch...the way God intended. Also, watched the first episode of the new HBO series True Blood. The creator is the same guy that did 6 Feet Under and he seems to be succeeding again. A nice new take on the vampire theme while creating a completely new story. Funny, kewl, scary and sexy. Plus, it's set in Louisiana - How could that be bad?

America, don't be distracted

I am personally vowing not to let myself get caught up in the Republican's campaign of distraction. Everyone, including myself for just a little while, is getting caught up with the Sarah Palin VP nomination...who cares about the damn VP anyway??? The VP only has as much power as the Prez gives them and when their ideals are very different you can imagine who's policies will prevail. Only in the last few decades has this role been anything more than a West Wing wannabe and, unless McCain keels over(which he might at any time), they just don't matter.

It's still the same old McCain, same old Republican Party, business as usual BS.

Don't let the smoke and mirrors fool you...we won't fall for the old banana-in-the-tailpipe again.

I have a dream...

...it's about hot chicks all oiled up...wait, that's the other dream.

Barack Obama is the man.
If I could turn back time(sorry for the Cher reference) I would definitely have found a way to have been in Denver for this historic moment. Watching the convention these last couple of days reminds me what this country could be. Reminds me that there can be hope again that we can trust the government to look out for our best interests. He is young, courageous, positive, smart, ethical, engaging, honest and holy shnikees can he give an inspirational speech.
It is sometimes hard to be patriotic when you see the government ignore 95% of it's people as it makes policies. Forget about cities devasted by hurricanes. Lead faithful soldiers into a poorly planned war without even the most basic equiptment or a plan.
On top of everything, a woman made it to the final rounds and a black man was nominated for president by a major political party. This is really big.
The democratic party has always generally lined up with my beliefs. In 2004 I voted for Kerry because he was the democratic candidate and there was no way I could imagine 4 more years of the Bush agenda. We had the platform, just not a great candidate. It's a whole new ballgame now.
I am renewed. I am excited. This is the reason to be proud to be an American.

Here we go...

The company I work for started layoffs for employees today...just as I suspected. Only one from our tiny little team so far but my boss told me I was next on the list and he had to fight to keep me for now. He said I was safe today and stressed "today" so I know the writing is on the wall.
I had my 3rd interview at what seems to be a great company that would fit me perfectly and they are checking my references as we speak. It sounds like there are a couple of other candidates that are still in the running though.
Big week so far:
Turned 40
Ultrasound shows a baby boy(due early January)
3 interviews in 4 days for the same job(including creating a web site and a Microsoft test)
Layoffs at the company(with mine looming)

I AM going to learn to take things in stride as otherwise I think I might stroke out.

Calgon, take me away!

Headline: Old Man Lays Pipe

Ok, I'm kidding.
Just wanted to let you all know that my wife Liz is preggo and due end of December or beginning of January. We just had the big ultrasound today and apparently we put the stem on the apple...Angus Teague will be the name.
Photos to come...

Obama mackin' on 3 wheels

He now rides a Trek that is nowhere near as kewl.

Who's Yer Daddy

Bush seems to have been exploring for oil in the sand in China when he came across a new submissive.

Rib-Bit

We had a neighborhood get-together yesterday as one of our next-door neighbors is moving to the deep south(Eden Prairie). Apparently me wearing a g-string and tube top in the driveway didn't discourage the buyers of their house. Since we have a tight little group of about 6 couples that sometimes hang out we decided to make some food and say goodbye to Bill, Sujata, Kashi and Ruvi - I just wanted another opportunity to give them a hard time about abandoning us.

The REAL highlight of the night was the ribs...mmm...meat.

Two of our neighbors have smokers and I think they had them going all day long producing some very yummy tastes and smells. Sara's ribs were a spicy(cayenne) rub and the Brian's had a nice Carolina vinegar sauce - best of both worlds as far as I am concerned.

I don't think Brian's wife from Texas was very happy he made Carolina-style sauce. In fact, I am pretty sure she called him a traitor. I love that little tattooed little freak of a smoke-master Brian.

I called it done after about 2 slabs of finger-lickin' goodness and barely had room for the homemade banana pudding. It was worth the pain, believe me.

Forget stocks and bonds, if you want a good investment, get a smoker.

At long last, a sweet camera at under $500

I have been looking for a compact camera that I can use as an "everyday" camera...smaller, lighter but has manual features.
I got a Lumix a year or so ago thinking it would do the trick(especially as it had Leica guts and lens) and, while it is a nice point and shoot, it doesn't have the control I need.
At long last I have found the solution...the Canon G9. Small, light, retro styling, optical viewfinder, full manual control of aperture, shutter, ISO and a manual focus all on a non-slr. I can even use my Canon external flash and remote shutter release!

Circuit City will be my first stop after winning the lottery tonight!
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong9/

So funny I think I might puke...

I am fairly sure I must be high...

Senior Open Finally Gets Exciting

They should have added wild animals long ago as it makes it much more exciting. I like that Florida has utilized the gator for years(see Happy Gilmore) but the idea never seemed to catch on across the nation.

A real sportsman only needs a sand wedge to bring home the bear-bacon.

Here is my final suggestion for the PGA...put sensors in the cup like in the game Operation. You would lose if you touch the sides. They would have to ratchet it up a couple of notches for TV and I'm thinking ---insert Mr. Mom reference here---220, 221, whatever it takes.

Viking's Pre-Season is Here!

The time has come again for the mighty Vikes to don their purple. I love the begining of the season as anything seems possible and hopes are still high. Summer must have some magical power that helps you heal and forget the pain from the previous year. It's like the girlfriend that you remember fondly until you remember that she was actually a satanist with really bad gas.
This is the year...I can feel it.
Just like I know that the PowerBall ticket I currently have in my wallet is the one that will remove the shackles of having to work for "The Man". Champs at last, champs at last. Thank God Almighty we'll be champs at last.

P.S.

Any positive comments about the Green Bay Butt-Packers or Brett "Bitch-Boy" Favre will be immediatley deleted and you will be hunted down like the dog that you are.

Mr. Hipps, that's my dad...and now apparently it's me as well

I have been fighting getting older ever since I began to realize that I would live long enough to get older. I don't like it at all. My neighbors' little girl yells out at me every day "Hi Mr. Hipps" and, because she's cute and goofy, I don't tie her to an ant hill and cover her with honey.
In two weeks I will turn 40.
I will say it again...
In two weeks I will turn 40.
If I had hair I would be pulling it out and screaming.
Here are some of the reasons that I know it isn't just some horrible dream:
-I listen intently to MPR
-Wake up at 7 every morning(with or without an alarm)
-Excited for the weekly Menard's ad
-Friggin' ear hair???
-Care about the way my yard looks
-Have regular doctor appointments
I have to stop, it isn't a good way to start the morning.
I know everybody says that life is better as they get older but I am not quite sure if I am sold on that yet. If I could trade the 40 year old body for the 20 year old body I think it might be more palatable.
Apparently it is going to happen whether I like it or not so I guess I will just have to get used to it.

Countdown to retirement: 27 years(fingers crossed for luck)

Calgon, take me away.

Work Mess

Well, the CIO called our entire team together for a last-minute meeting this morning and they have, at least, temporarily stopped our project. They let go the 11 contractors and let us know we need to meet with our managers for re-assignment.
My manager says he knows nothing at this time about any layoff.
We have been on this project since January of 2007 and it was pretty much flawed from the start. Over-architected, under-estimated with almost no analysis was the way the first year went. Then, they let go of the contractors and laid-off a few employees while they reviewed the status. They re-started the project with fewer contractors and a better plan but I think the damage was already done. It is hard to catch up to a timeline when you have almost a year that was wasted.
I don't know what the future holds but it looks a bit grim at this time. Hopefully myself and the other employees on the team won't be out there pounding the pavement anytime soon...but you never know.

RNC's Plan for Discouraging Protesters

Touch My Monkey

This weekend our buddy Nate came into town for his brother Chris' bachelor party up at Lake Vermillion. I have never heard of having a bachelor party in that type of setting...I can only assume they needed the privacy to bury a hooker or something. After flying in we met him at the bar in the Graves 601 downtown for drinks and a little catch up. I tried taking the elevator up to his room but after it initially did nothing after closing the doors I panicked and got the hell out. The photo is Nate, myself, Brandt and Chris...Mecca had to play photographer so she couldn't sex up the image for us.

Apparently the bachelor party was a little bit of old home week for WHS' class of '87. I don't know if they are ever going to be welcomed back to Minnesota's north country.

We caught up with Nate again last night for a couple of hours at the exclusive hot spot, TGI Fridays. The cuisine was exemplary, we felt very hoity-toity. Liz was happy to get a chance to see her boyfriend after missing out earlier in the weekend.

I also admitted to Nate that I had been secretly sending Keri(his gorgeous wifer) house listings in Minneapolis with hopes of getting them to come home. Leafs, if you are out there, come home!

I will have to dig them out but I know that I have at least two other photographs of this quartet of freaks. One of them particularly is going to show that we might, just possibly, be getting a bit older. Maybe I shouldn't look for it.

Politics & Elections

I don't pretend to fully understand politics although I read the paper and listen to MPR daily. I realize many things are not what they seem and nothing is as simple as I think it should be but it is still very frustrating. I think some of the biggest reasons people aren't more involved in politics is that A) it is very confusing, B) you don't feel like you can make a difference and C) how do you really know what a political candidate will do.
I am backing Obama for president this year and was a supporter from his declaration of intent thru winning the primaries. The seeds of doubt are starting to grow now as he seems to be moving more towards the middle now that he is no longer competing against another liberal. For example, his recent vote with the Republicans supporting the update to FISA. When he was still looking for the liberal vote he said he would filibuster any bill that included immunity for the telecommunications industry. Now that the vote comes up and he seems to be looking to gain support of more of the heartland, he suddenly approves.
Generally I don't agree with a "flip-flop" argument against a candidate as I think anyone should be able to change their mind when presented with more or clarified information but this doesn't seem to fall under that heading.
I guess I was just hoping to vote for the liberal that ran in the primary and not just a middle of the road guy that is "my best option" when it comes to the election.
But then, what do I know.

Gypsy Music, Sweat and Old Beer

Last night, my favorite band from the current decade rocked the Cabooze outdoor stage with frantic, gypsy punk sounds. Eugene and Gogol Bordello were back in Minneapolis in the middle of a tour that takes them back and forth, to and from places like Manchester, Tennessee and Ostrava, Czech Republic. We saw them at First Avenue last November and they don't show any obvious wear and tear.

I couldn't throw out $30 tickets(freakin' Ticketmaster) to a great show like this no matter how much my current injury demanded it and it was well worth the discomfort. The sound was GREAT, the mix was GREAT, the weather was PERFECT and the crowd was huge and happy. I did have to be careful of a few REALLY SWEATY moshers and jumpers when they played some of their bigger anthems like Wonderlust King and Start Wearing Purple which really upped the frenzy factor.

If you are looking for an old school energetic punk show and you would rather be happy instead of angry, check out Gogol Bordello.

* Bonus * - My shoes and pant cuffs smell like stale beer today!

Milestones

Liz and I just passed our 6 year anniversary(thanks to Brandt and Mecca for having a wedding that led to eventual debauchery) and I started thinking about other things that were quietly amounting to something.
1) Currently in my longest relationship(and marriage)
2) This is the longest time living in the same house(5 years, and thanks to the market, no changes here)
3) Moxie is currently the longest living pet(8 years and going strong)
4) VI is my longest time at a job(6+ years at this point)

And a first...we are preggo! More accurately, Liz is. If everything goes well, due just after the new year. Who knew???

* This is why men very rarely make babies

Storm

Apparently it's spring cleanup time again.

The storm last night brought golf ball sized hail and big winds. Plants beaten down, big tree down, branches down, the equivilant of fall leaves down...damn.

Winds were so strong the leaves are embedded into the house and window screens and had piles of hail mounded around the entire house.

The street looks like the jungle floor.

Damn.

Bunch of Bull5hit

After sitting with nothing to do for the last 6 months of sucky weather I finally have gotten my bike out a couple of times. Wouldn't it just make sense that on one of my first rides of the year I would end up in the ER, ruining my first 4-6 weeks of riding. I attempted a drop/jump out at Murphy on Memorial Day and missed my line, ending up in a tree. Apparently the tree was stronger than my ribs. This has to be one of my least favorite injuries. Every movement seems to hurt. Worse, the morphine and percoset make the pain go away but leave me achey and nauseous. I guess I am whining but this totally sucks.

Nick and Eddie's

Took our friends, John and Leah, out on Friday night to celebrate John finding a new job as a personal banker. We ended up trying Nick and Eddie with a 7:15pm reservation. You can smell the grille the moment you walk in...meat...yummy. The room layout and decor were right on and it had just enough noise to make it comfortable and not so much that you couldn't hold a conversation.

As an appetizer we had the grilled pacific oysters with salsa which was super refreshing. I am used to raw oysters or maybe a variation of Rockefeller but the tomatillo salsa made it a whole new deal for me.
The bread was super dense while still being very smooth...I could eat at least a loaf myself...in fact I almost did.
For my main course I had the grilled duck breast which managed to be crispy, juicy and NOT oily all at the same time. From the online menu I expected wild rice, hominy and sweet potatoes but instead it was served with a curried basmati and a sweet salsa. Home run baby!
We also had the spicy steak, braised beef cheeks and the grilled chicken breast on the table. All of which I tried, except for the chicken, and thought were very tasty.
We ended up finishing up with Nick and Eddie's version of the Ho-Ho. It's nice when folks can manage to get a great chocolate dessert happenin' without it being overly sweet...I cleaned the plate.
Overall it was a great night. Moderate prices, good atmosphere, yummy food and adequate service. I say adequate as after the food arrived we were never asked about getting us more drinks and our empty dinner plates sat in front of us for 15 minutes or so. Also, I have a personal issue with the server(or runner) having to announce each dish as it arrives with hopes of finding it's owner. It's the 21st century and we have had computer systems with seat numbers for quite some time now. Luckily the server was very friendly and when she was at the table seemed to be quite good.
I am absolutely no food critic so I give it the unofficial 8 out of 10 burps.

P.S. I also heard they have a hot new bartender working there but we didn't get a chance to see her. The rumor is that she only wears tube tops.

Literally...

My wife was just in Vegas and this was what the bartender handed her when she asked for a Very Dirty Martini.

Hint: don't think eyes and nose

Officer Pig

Baking...

Not sure exactly why but I decided this past weekend that I would try a bit of baking. I really wanted to see if I could pull off a pie crust so I made a couple of pies, one with apples and one 1/2 blueberry and 1/2 cherry for a little variety.
The apple pie crust was yummy flaky...a little too flaky. I had a hard time keeping it in one piece as I rolled it out and placed it in the baking dish. I also made the mistake of placing it a bit high in the oven so when the upper crust was done the apples weren't quite as cooked as I would have liked. Still turned out pretty yummy and the crust was great.
For the cherry/blueberry pie I used half again the ingredients for the crust and on top of that added an extra teaspoon of cold water. That seemed to get it where it needed to be, allowing me a little more surface area and keeping the dough together without it getting too moist. I brought the oven rack down one space and it turned out perfect.
Now I just can't wait until the rhubarb, strawberries and peaches come in!

My new favorite site!

www.coloringbookland.com
Make sure to look at least 10 days or so of previous cartoons...

Spring in Houston

Well, the boys(Brandt, Chris and myself) packed up and headed for Houston to hang with Nate and babysit our favorite monkey, Maeve. The girls(Liz, Keri and Mecca) were enjoying a wonderful weekend in Vegas complete with spa package courtesy of Nate. The girls got their groove on with a Barry Manilow concert, massages, bubble baths, drinks, food and most importantly...no responsibilities.
The boys made massive quantities of food, played poker, snoozed at the pool, watched the NCAA Tournament and completely enjoyed playing with Maeve. Maeve did a great job with her first weekend apart from mama Keri...Nate has more patience with her and her unending energy than I could even imagine. Mad props go to Keri for managing this every day.
All in all a great weekend...too bad I'm back here on the tundra.

See below for a very few photos!

Houston - Part 3: Uncle Billy & Monkey

Houston - Part 2: Daddy & Monkey

Houston - Part 1: Maeve Monkey

Double Fisted

I really never do anything half-way, it's kinda an obsessive-compulsive thing. If I'm gonna do it, I'm really gonna do it. Sometimes this is really helpful and sometimes it just sucks. Currently food, cigarettes, biking, photography and watching movies are the items that I am fairly obsessed with. Some bad, some good, always all the way.

For a couple of years around the age of 15 all I really wanted to do was get wasted. I'm not sure how it started but towards the end I was pretty much up for anything. Booze, pot, hash, 'shrooms, acid, coke...as long as I didn't have to shoot it and it was available, I was game. It pretty much turned into being all I was about. In this picture I had just polished off almost a case of Schell's Deer Brand beer along with a dozen or so s'mores at a cabin up near Mora. My guess is that if I hadn't stopped getting high I'd be dead by now.

Flash forward about 23 sober years and I can't even understand what the appeal was. I have had to take different medications from doctors over the years that made me feel a bit out of sorts and it's horrible. Life is hard enough at the level my poor little brain funtions at now, I surely wouldn't want it any cloudier. I don't even know how people put up with me back then as I can barely deal with having to communicate with my friends when they've been drinking. Nothing like having a nice long conversation with a 2 year old.

I am a firm believer that the chemical makeup of your brain has lots to do with what you do and what you are capable of. The question is, can you change it?

A couple more old photos

This one is of me and my first car at my first apartment in about 1987. The car was a sweet, 1965 Corvair and I haven't owned anything near as cool since. The apartment was on 26th street and 1st avenue south...way before Eat Street, condos and urban re-vitalization of the area. Think ghetto and not chic.


This one looks a bit like Leather Tuscadaro and Stan Laurel. Brandt and me posing in a basement for a friend that wanted to practice his photography. I believe this was about 1989 and I had my first bass, the hot pink B.C.Rich Warlock. Brandt was sporting his Batocaster and freshly straightened hair.

Tired of it all

Last week I worked 80 hours, over 50 of them between Thursday and Saturday, at a job that I hate. My car has now come down with an illness(running on only 3 cylinders) and I think my warranty just ran out at the begining of the month...even though my payments don't stop for another 2 years. It is freakin' cold and miserable outside and I am sick to death of having 4 to 5 months of cold-ass, don't-want-to-do-anything, shitty weather.
I'm broke(my own fault), stressed and tired.
I would like a rewarding and challenging, low-stress job that pays a good wage.
I would like to live January-April in a warm climate.
It doesn't seem like much but I can't figure out how to do it.
Calgon, take me the fuck away.

Whiskeymarie's long-lost brother

So that Whiskeymarie doesn't feel so bad about her 80s run-in with bandanas and bleached hair, I will call her bandana and bleached hair...and raise her a big slack jaw(I think it was the pot but I can't remember).


* I'm thinkin' this was about '84

Oh, the 80s(and a bit o' the 90s)

Brandt got me to get out my old photos with my new scanner...he is such a bad influence on me. Anyway, here are a couple of bands from the old days...can ya find me?

On Boxing

As anyone who knows me will tell you I am a huge fan of boxing. I saw my first fights at Eddie's Barber Shop in the late 70s. As I remember it, the ONLY division was Heavyweight back then. I know now that there were others but I never saw them until they were shown much later as classic fights. The heavyweights of this era were not the GIANTS of today and featured slick figthers that could punch and move and not just hold and hit. I saw guys like Ali, Spinks, Norton and others that amazed me with their skill, heart and power.
As time has gone by I have seen many, many fights on HBO, Showtime, ESPN and the network stations. Luckily I have also seen many older fights re-broadcasted that were before my time. These great fights featured boxers like Frazier, Louis, Foreman, Marciano and Dempsey as examples. As a side note it has always been a dream to sit ringside in a classic arena such as the Blue Horizon in Philly or Madison Square Garden...as of yet this has not been realized due to the cost.
There have been many fights over the years that I will remember forever for reasons like excellent matchmaking, technical prowess, amazing upset or giant heart. Most of the ones I remember the best were in lower weight classes like Bantamweight or Welterweight...I couldn't leave out Middleweight as that was where Roy Jones got his first title. The heavyweights of today are generally not on that list as that division seems to have become one of lumbering meatheads with one-punch power that many times end fights in the first round with not much evidence of true boxing. One of my favorites was actually a trilogy featuring Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti. I can't explain it in words but if you ever want to really know what I love about boxing watch this trilogy...a close second would be Barrera vs. Morales - another trilogy.
As many great fights as I have seen there have also been some duds. Sometimes styles make fighters a bad matchup. You can't really fault the boxer for this but it is unfortunate just the same. Then you have the fights where one of the boxers either exhibits zero heart or relies on fouling his opponent or both. Even worse is when they try to convince the judges, referee and the public that they are the victim while exhibiting these characteristics. I watched such a match recently and spent most of the fight embarred for the "fighter" and for myself for watching. Roberto Acevedo, in his recent fight with Mickey Bey on Showtime, spent 8 rounds avoiding getting into anything that resmbled a fight except when it was innapropriate to do so. When he wasn't running away from Bey he was clinching with him, hitting him behind the head, holding and spinning him and then trying to convice the referee that Bey was the one doing something innappropriate. At one point he even tried to say that Bey was biting him, ala Tyson, when it was very clear that nothing like that was happening. The fight was a shutout and the crowd shouted many boos. Why even show up? Luckily, crowds don't stand for fighters like this and most likely I won't ever see a broadcast with Acevodo on the card again.
Like anything, boxing has it's ups and downs and it will never be as popular as sports like football or baseball. That's okay with me. As long as it isn't hugely popular it will stay closer to it's roots. It isn't about glitz and glamour(for the most part), it's about two guys putting each other to the test. It's about commitment, skill and heart. I will leave you with a great example of heart. This is the 9th round of the first Gatti-Ward fight. The entire fight could have happened in a phone booth with non-stop action. By the 9th, both fighters were tired and beaten yet somehow they keep going. As a side note, Ward and Gotti are very close friends and even after a long, brutal fight like this you will see them hug each other. Thanks guys, for putting it on the line.
Gatti-Ward 1

Currently Spinning...

Marilyn Manson. I seem to write more code in a day if I simply listen to the destruction.





Check out these killer songs and vids.

Use Your Fist And Not Your Mouth

or

(s)AINT

Afros and Bowl Cuts

I don't really have much to say about this but Bad Wims(Brandt) recently sent me a copy of this image from a long-ago era. The McRae Park football team from the late 70s I believe. Notice the mis-matched jerseys with sponsors such as Ray N Welter Plumbing and Eddie's Barber Shop(& bookie joint)...we also had others such as Pepito's and Ken & Norm's Liqour.
Left to Right, Bottom to Top:
Chris Perusse, Bill Hipps, Troy S. Flowers and Bad Wims(Brandt)...brawlers, all of them.

Photo courtesy of BadWims(Brandt)

Are you freakin' kidding me???

Minus 14 degrees(farenheit), minus 37 degrees(farenheit) windchill.

If you live in Minnesota that is all I really have to say. If, by luck, you live somewhere less frigid this probably looks like a typo. It is not, I assure you. People that live in this kind of weather don't joke about things like this. We are not hearty as some people think, we just try not to go outside, at all.

My parents are currently in Palm Springs for a little R&R. The temps have been in the high 50s to low 60s this week. The locals are complaining that it is pretty cold. My friend Chuck just got back from Orlando where it has been in the low 70s...there too the residents are shivvering.

Thule, Greenland, in the Arctic Circle is currently warmer than it is here.

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go. The very second that my friends and family are no longer with us I will be packing up the wife and the dog and moving to a more moderate climate. I would rather live someplace with 1 season and visit places with things like snow than experience it everyday.

Calgon, take me away.

Before and After

Up until recently I was tasked with creating and updating our high school class website. Luckily, this is no longer my responsibility. When handing this over to another for maintenance I glanced back thru the 2006 20 year reunion "then and now" photos...hmmm, I see a trend.

This photo is one of Patrick Schwamm(left) and myself in 1986(I think).
Age: 18
Hair: long and blonde
Glasses: none
Facial Hair: none
Crowns: none
Weight: 145lbs
Height: 6'-0"
Tattoos: 1 small peace dove












This photo is one of me from the reunion in 2006.
Age: 38
Hair: none
Glasses: thick
Facial Hair: goatee
Crowns: 6
Weight: 215lbs
Height: 5'-11"
Tattoos: 1/2 sleeve, upper arm, 2 bands, small back piece

If this continues, this is my prediction for 2026.
Age: 58
Hair: none
Glasses: thick tri-focals
Facial Hair: large, bushy beard
Crowns: none(dentures)
Weight: 290lbs
Height: 5'-10"
Tattoos: full back montage

(luckily this is an actor playing me, in the future)

My new life goal is to reverse the aging process...anyone with ideas, please pass them along!

Jackass 2, The Movie(watched it on cable last night)

First of all I need to give kudos to Knoxville for appropriately naming his show, Jackass, as there couldn’t be a more precise one-word name for this foolishness. Johnny’s crew is an argument against evolution. I am surprised that the cast has lived long enough to make a feature film, much less two. Don’t get me wrong, when I’m not vomiting I’m a huge fan. They seem to find a way to up the ante every time…snakes, bulls, sharks, electricity, riot suppressors and, of course, the poop factor. Yack. The one stunt that really summarizes what this movie is all about -12 year old boys with no supervision and an unlimited budget - is where they take the classic “ring the bell with the mallet” carnival strength measurement and substitute a golden dildo for the weight and a bare-butt boy for the bell. I don’t think that these boys could beat Nigel Incubator-Jones in taking the bras off of debutantes. It really wouldn’t be fair anyway as I doubt that any of them have ever seen a bra before…that would entail touching a girl and risking cooties.

As a reference...
Johnny Knoxville

Nigel Incubator-Jones

Euro Company Marketing Woes

I finally heard back from Italia that they are not interested in upping their marketing in the US at this time. It was nice that they finally got back to me but I am bummed at the outcome. They have a kewl product but I don’t think they have a clue how to sell it.

Italia Mondial Bass with Alisha

Photo by Bill

Biking in January

Hit Theo Wirth this morning with a few other MORCers. It was beautiful! I will say that it would have been nice to have had some gears(instead of the single speed) and I could really use some studded tires but the 29er did pretty well. Planning on hitting it for another couple laps tomorrow morning and then I will really need to home stud those tires...it ain't summer but at least it's still mountain biking!

Don and Gus

Photo by MORCer

Christian, our Chilean import

Photo by MORCer

ME!

Photo by MORCer

Kathie and Argus

Photo by Bill

Hung out with my sister, Kathie, up at the North Branch Ranch for New Years Eve this year. Moxie got to play with her cousins Argus(the grumpy) and Ilford(the bouncy) while Kathie and Liz drank Pink Squirrels. Good times with stinky mutts...rock on.

Disappointed

I get all of my news from the radio as I have just never been big on reading the paper(except the Sunday ads) and have no interest in television news(unless there is something major going on).
A few years ago I switched from WCCO to MPR and became a member. I was sick of all the advertising, the sound bite style reporting and the bad local talent. I will admit that I dig Don Shelby but that isn't enough to keep me tuned in.
MPR has a generally nice mix of headline stories as well as in-depth interest stores and, with the exception of the completely maddening pledge drives, does a really good job of giving you some meat with your potatoes. Many a time I end up having to wait in the parked car to hear the end of a story that won't let go. I also find myself actually having more to say as the stories usually make an impact on my views.
The one thing that I cannot stand though is the way they latch onto a story and beat it to death. I cannot remember the last time that I turned on the radio and didn't hear something about the primaries or elections for the 2008 presidential race. Do I really need an update every 15 minutes on what some farm hand in Iowa thinks about the candidates? After that wraps up I will have to suffer thru the thoughts from the eastern seaboard on the same subject. Are you telling me that on the world stage there isn't something more important to talk about? I'm not saying that we should completely ignore the 2008 race(or trudge) but I am saying that if you are hanging on every word uttered by a housewife in Des Moines you need to get a grip. I for one would rather here more variety...I for one really only need one update a week on the lead up to elections that are happening in 10 months. I guess that whole Darfur thing must be all taken care of...probably everything is peachy in New Orleans...luckily all must be going without note in Kenya and Sri Lanka.
I get it, it's an election year. Leave it alone already.

Winter Riding with some MORC guys

This was on Kare11's Minnesota Bound on Wednesday night.
Theo Wirth and Grumpy's are both featured.

http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?aid=60154&bw=

I only attempted this once so far this year and had to turn around and leave the trail after only about 10 feet. At that time the snow wasn't packed enough and I had frozen eyes due to no goggles. The reports now say that a couple of the trails are packed and rideable and my goggles should arrive tomorrow at REI. It isn't the ideal situation but it's better than sitting on the couch all winter!

Jesus Camp

Watched a documentary today called Jesus Camp on A&E. The documentary shows evangelical christians brainwashing their children in vast numbers. It is like watching children of the damned as their hungry little minds are fed the most incredibly rediculous lines of bs. Of course, they are all in hick, backwater areas of the country where the gene pool is already pretty shallow. Don't get me wrong, I may not believe in god but I wouldn't tear down anyone else's faith unless they they tried to preach at me. My problem is that these fanatics are completely brainwashing these children in mass and they don't stand a chance at forming their own opinions, questioning things and letting others believe what they choose. They are drinking the Koolaid.
It makes me very scared about the direction of this country.

Top 10s (really just favorites of mine)

One of the reasons I started this blog versus another straight photo blog is that I many times have opinions that I want to share and it is a total pain in the ass to compile an email and figure out who would be interested. As well, sometimes I just need to vent to no one in particular. I think here I can put out those opinions and anyone that wants to take a look is free to. I am not under the impression that this blog will receive anything more than minimal traffic, but that is fine as well. The end of the year makes me think about top 10 lists so here are a few of mine.

Top 10 Meals in Minneapolis(and surrounding)
1. Safari - Goat Cutlet
2. Rainbow Chinese - Big Bowl Wanton Soup
3. Origami - Sushi
4. Yangtzee - Crispy Shrimp
5. Chatterbox - Burgers on Foccacia
6. Pepitos - Chimis and Chips
7. Chino Latino - Coconut Curry Shrimp
8. Pop - Pork Tenderloin with Cranberries
9. Psycho Susi's Motor Lounge - Garlic Pizza and Red Rockets
10. Buca - Everything Pasta

Top 10 Movies
1. Tora, Tora, Tora!
2. Lord Of The Rings
3. Chasing Amy
4. Dawn Of The Dead
5. Sleepy Hollow
6. Grosse Pointe Blank
7. Kill Bill
8. The Matrix
9. Bridge On The River Kwai
10. Underworld

Top 10 Albums
1. Full Stack - Venus
2. Gogol Bordello - Gypsy Punks
3. Prince - 1999
4. Replacements - Stink
5. Metallica - Master of Puppets
6. Ozzy - Diary of a Madman
7. Dead Kennedys - Holiday in Cambodia
8. AC/DC - For Those About To Rock(close call but C.O.D. seals the deal for me)
9. The Suburbs - In Combo
10. King's X - Dogman

Top 10 Books
1. Stephen King - IT
2. J.D. Salinger - Catcher In The Rye
3. Elizabeth Wurtzell - Prozac Nation
4. Bill Bryson - Walk In The Woods
5. Stephen King - Dark Tower Series
6. J.R.R. Tolkein - The Lord Of The Rings
7. Gregory Maguire - Wicked
8. Jack Keroauc - On The Road
9. Joyce Cary - Horse's Mouth
10. David Simon & Edward Burns - The Corner

* Top 10s are my favorite 10, not necessarily in order

2007 - A Personal Recap

Not many snows this year but when it came down it dumped!

Photo by Liz

For Valentines Day my wife got this tattoo.

Photo by Liz

Liz and her friend Gary celebrated their combined 90th birthday.

Photo by Liz

Houston in April with little Maeve.

Photo by Liz

Maeve in her boat.

Photo by Bill

Started mountain biking this year and found some cool trails.


Photo by MORCer

Seattle with the French clan.

Photo by Bill

Ice in Glacier Bay in Alaska.

Photo by Bill

National Trails Day at Lebanon Hills with my dirt boss Shad.

Photo by MORCer

Liz got brave a bought a bike!

Photo by Liz

Prairie Dogs at the Minnesota Zoo.

Photo by Bill

Baby sheep at the Minnesota State Fair.

Photo by Liz

Turkey legs a plenty at the fair.

Photo by Liz

Limo rides for Brandt's B-Day in Houston.

Photo by Bill

Moxie loves to play in the fall leaves!

Photo by Bill

Apple picking at Minnesota Harvest.

Photo by Bill

The new pecan floors.

Photo by Liz

A skinny bridge in Wisconsin.

Photo by Bill

Camping in Cable, Wisconsin with MORC.

Photo by Bill

The annual lobster boil at the North Branch Ranch.

Photo by Liz

Thanksgiving morning ride at Lebanon Hills with MORC.

Photo by MORCer

The French Family Orchestra at Thanksgiving.

Photo by Bill

Christmas with Gary's famous cheesecake!

Photo by Liz

Liz and her new cuddle sack. Looks warm.

Photo by Bill

Moxie pretending to be Santa for the cookies.

Photo by Bill

Happy Jesus Weekend!

I refuse to say Happy Holidays. I generally try to be somewhat politically correct but it all gets a bit old. If I thought that my Unitarian Humanist cube neighbor was really going to be offended by saying Merry Christmas I probably wouldn't do it but I refuse to spend all afternoon censoring my speech. I think I will just do it the corporate way - plunge ahead and appologize later.
Over the Christmas holiday weekend we, of course, celebrated Christmas. All of you know of course that this means leaving treats for an old white guy in exchange for gifts. Since he is kinda outdoorsy and likes bright colors we usually bring a tree inside and dressed it up like a drag queen.
For the first couple of days of the holiday my wife and I decided to have the "Weekend of Love" as our Christmas present to each other. Money is tight. We cooked yummy food, drank nog, got naked a few times and watched the entire 2nd and 3rd seasons of Six Feet Under. Food, sex and TV is all that any man should need. I also got a FREE new desktop pc to process some of those big photoshop files so I spent some time setting it up. It is amazing how nice a machine corporate america says is outdated and cycles out. Their outdated box is 3 times as fast as my personal laptop.
We had both of our parents, my sister and Liz's friend Gary over for dinner on Monday night for a pork roast smothered in horseradish, beans, scalloped potatoes and bread puddin'. Liz' mom hooked us up with a killer vanilla sauce to top off the dessert.
We then spent the next hour or so watching videos on youtube as Gary is not computer literate and he just had to see the "Dick in a Box" SNL skit.
On Christmas day we had breakfast in Eden Prairie at my parents' place. Monkey Bread ensures a great start to any day. We opened presents and then lounged until we were all almost comatose. We headed for home to take a nap.
At home we happened upon Pumpkin, a movie starring Christina Ricci as a sorority sister helping the handicapped. I have seen it before but it always makes me laugh. Needless to say, no nap.
We headed over to Liz' parents' for dinner and more festivities. The children were well manered and really made it feel a lot more like Christmas by tearing thru all of their presents at Mach 3. More food, get the Pepto.
I was actually quite okay with getting back to work as I think I was about to get bed sores from all of the couch time. Now that I am here I have changed my mind.

A Side Note:
If you do not have the pleasure of a subscription to Showtime you should immediately go out and rent a full season of Dexter, one of their homegrown shows. The main character is a serial killer and also a blood spatter pathologist for the Miami PD. It is quite funny and also has the requisite drama and action. The star of the show is Michael C. Hall who also plays the gay undertaker in Six Feet Under on HBO.
Check it... http://www.sho.com/site/video/brightcove/series/title.do?bcpid=1305238289&bclid=1340048659

Brandt's 2007 Retrospective

My buddy Brandt, a reporter for MPR and a DJ for The Current, put together this little video clip as he was experimenting with his new Mac. I thought I would see if I could post it here.

He is such a rock star.

...always makes me laugh.

I don't have tons to say and I am away from my home computer(where most of my images are) but I thought I would just put up a little photo I have of my friend Nathan. I did not take this photo(I don't think) but I keep it on all my PCs so I can always have a laugh.
Nathan is my buddy in Houston. He is married to a hottie named Keri and has a pair of beautiful daughters, Sonjia and Maeve. Sonjia lives with her mother in Seattle but I get to hang out with little Maevey whenever I make it to Texas. She IS my favorite monkey.
Nathan moved to Houston with the intention of retiring early back in Minnesota when he made his millions...that was until he experienced the weather in his new backyard. I think we may have lost him for good.
Luckily for me, Nate and Keri open up their all-inclusive resort property a couple of times a year and let us stay for free. They never let us lift a finger and are the most gracious hosts you will ever have.
I guess I am rambling a bit as this was just intended to be me posting a photo that makes me laugh. I don't know if it will make you laugh but it might help if you know that this guy trades millions of dollars today on natural gas futures.